Drogheda United captain Shane Robinson missed a late penalty as relegation-threatened Cobh Ramblers held on for a hard-fought point at United Park.
Whether a draw is good enough for the Cork side at this stage is questionable, but the Boynesiders’ failure to win is undoubtedly a serious blow to their chances of qualifying for next season’s Uefa Cup.
The early exchanges were of a poor quality, with neither side able to string a decent passing move together, let alone seriously test the respective keepers.
Richie Baker did conjure one shot which flew past James McCarthy’s left-hand post and the Drogheda winger also had a header deflected wide inside the first ten minutes, but the visitors otherwise coped comfortably with all the home side had to offer and fashioned an opportunity for themselves when Davin O’Neill shot straight at Jamie Ewings from just outside the box.
At the other end, Fahrudin Kuduzovic had a 20-yard effort deflected wide and Shane Robinson flicked an Ollie Cahill cross straight into the arms of McCarthy.
And right at the end of the half, Drogheda put together their best move to that point. Brian Shelley, Paul Keegan and Cahill were all involved before Zayed was crowded out as he attempted to shoot from an angle.
One wondered at half-time whether Cobh would try to be more adventurous against a clearly below-par Drogheda.
The early action in the second period suggested a positive approach as Ross Gaynor seized on a loose ball and shot low towards the corner. Ewings dived low to his right to make a good save.
But Ramblers otherwise offered nothing in attack, while poor finishing was a feature of Drogheda’s play at the other end.
Baker and Gartland missed the target with close-range headers, and then Kuduzovic opted to take a touch when Zayed’s cross picked him out six yards from goal and the chance was gone.
Drogheda did build greater momentum in the final 20 minutes as Cobh defended deeper and deeper, and they were presented with a gift-wrapped opportunity on 75 minutes when Baker’s header towards goal was handled by Cobh right-back Kenny Coleman.
Referee Neil Doyle pointed to the spot, but Robinson’s kick was fisted away by McCarthy.
Six minutes from time Baker’s deep cross seemed to strike Coleman on the hand again, but this time the decision favoured Cobh and Drogheda could hardly have any complaints after this poor performance.
Drogheda United: Ewings, Shelley, Maher, Gartland, Kendrick, Baker, Robinson, Keegan, Cahill, Zayed, Kuduzovic.
Cobh Ramblers: McCarthy, Coleman, Guthrie, Murray, J Meade, Mulconry, O’Brien, O’Halloran, Carey, Gaynor, O’Neill.
Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).
